CURRENT AFFAIRS 04 & 05-11-2024

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

India has been elected as President of International Solar Alliance for 2 years until 2026.

• India has been elected President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for a two-year term, until 2026.

• France will serve as the co-President of ISA for the same duration, until 2026.

• Ashish Khanna will take over as ISA Director General in 2025, succeeding Dr. Ajay Mathur.

• India’s solar power capacity has grown from under 2 GW in 2014 to an impressive 90 GW.

• Fiji plans to achieve 100% renewable energy for its power needs by 2030.

• Currently, fossil fuel imports make up 30% of Fiji’s total import costs.

• The ISA leadership transition underscores the growing global emphasis on solar energy and renewable resources.

New Indian Consulate has been inaugurated by India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar in Brisbane.

• S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, inaugurated the new Indian Consulate in Brisbane.

• During the event, he emphasized the growing bilateral ties between India and Australia.

• The consulate will serve as a key support center for the expanding Indian community in Queensland.

• Queensland is home to a large number of Indian students pursuing higher education.

• Jaishankar referred to the Indian diaspora as a “living bridge” connecting the two nations.

• He also visited Australia’s Humanitarian Logistics Capability (HLC) warehouse, focusing on HADR supplies for the Pacific.

• This visit marked Jaishankar’s 5th trip to Australia and his first visit to Brisbane.

STATE NEWS

Rajasthan govt introduces new scheme to attract investment

• Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme (RIPS) 2024 aims to boost private investment and drive economic growth in the state.

• The scheme offers enhanced financial incentives across multiple sectors to attract investors.

• It is launched ahead of the ‘Rising Rajasthan’ Global Investment Summit 2024, positioning the state for increased global attention.

• RIPS 2024 builds upon the framework of RIPS 2022, refining and expanding its scope.

• The initiative is a key part of the government’s strategy to stimulate industrial development and job creation in Rajasthan.

Compensation for human death in wildlife attack has been increased by Madhya Pradesh government.

• The Madhya Pradesh government has raised the compensation for human death in wildlife attacks from ₹8 lakh to ₹25 lakh.

• This decision came after two men were killed by an elephant attack near Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Umaria district.

• Chief Minister Mohan Yadav confirmed that the families of the deceased will receive ₹25 lakh each as compensation.

• The victims were from Devra and Brahe villages, both located near the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.

• The reserve recently made headlines after the deaths of 10 elephants in the area.

• Bandhavgarh is famous for its Evergreen Sal forests and Mixed forests.

• Located in the eastern Satpura hills, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve spans Umaria and Katni districts.

DEFENCE

VINBAX 2024 commenced in Ambala, Haryana, on 4th November 2024.

• Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise (VINBAX) 2024 has begun at Ambala, Haryana on 4 November 2024.

• This marks the fifth edition of the Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise.

• The exercise is aimed at strengthening the joint military capabilities of India and Vietnam.

• For the first time, both Army and Air Force personnel from India and Vietnam are participating.

• The Indian Army contingent consists of 47 personnel.

• The Indian force is represented by a Regiment of the Corps of Engineers along with other arms and services.

• VINBAX 2024 will run until 23rd November 2024.

• The exercise highlights the growing military cooperation between the two nations.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Japan is set to test the world's first wooden satellite.

• Japan is preparing to test the world's first wooden satellite.

• The satellite, named "LignoSat," was developed by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry.

• "LignoSat" is derived from the Latin word for wood.

• It will be launched to the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX rocket.

• Takao Doi, a former Japanese Space Shuttle astronaut, is part of the Kyoto team behind the project.

• The satellite will stay in orbit for six months to test the durability of wood in space's extreme conditions.

• The wood used comes from the Japanese Honoki magnolia tree, known for its strength and properties.

• Unlike traditional satellites, LignoSat will burn up harmlessly in Earth's atmosphere, reducing environmental pollution.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE

First Asian Buddhist Summit will be held in Delhi.

• The First Asian Buddhist Summit will be held in New Delhi on November 5-6.

• The summit is organized by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with the Government of India.

• The theme of the summit is "Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia."

• This event aligns with India’s Act East Policy, promoting collective and spiritual development across Asia.

• President Draupadi Murmu will officially inaugurate the summit on November 5.

• The summit will gather Buddhist leaders, scholars, and followers from diverse traditions to discuss challenges and foster dialogue.

• Buddhism holds a central place in the spiritual and cultural history of both India and Asia.

• The teachings of the Buddha and his disciples have helped unify Asia through shared values and a common approach to life.

• In 2023, India also hosted the first Global Buddhist Summit in partnership with the IBC in New Delhi.

MISCELLANEOUS

Kannada short film “Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know” has been nominated for Oscars 2025.

• The Kannada short film "Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know" has been nominated for the Oscars 2025.

• It has qualified in the Live Action Short Film category for the Oscars 2025.

• Produced by the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), the film won the La Cinef award at Cannes 2024.

• The film is directed by Chidananda S. Naik.

• The story revolves around an elderly woman who steals the village rooster, causing the sunlight to vanish.

• A prophecy is invoked to restore balance, leading to the woman’s exile from the village.

• "Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know" explores themes of mythology and superstition in rural life.

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